Medicaid Basics

Medicaid is for:

• pregnant women
• parents
• children
• persons with disabilities
• the elderly

Each state has its own rules, to learn more, see our Real Solutions Eligibility Wizard.

Medicaid Overview

Medicaid pays for your health care. Depending on your state, you may also have to pay a small part of the cost. This is called your copay.

Many groups get Medicaid. Each group has rules. You may get Medicaid:

• by your age
• if you are pregnant
• if you have a disability
• by your income and resources (like bank accounts, property or other items that can be sold)

Each state has rules. These rules may be for those in nursing homes. They may be for a child with a disability who lives at home.

Even if you do not get Medicaid, your child may. If a person's child lives with you, he or she may get Medicaid. Your income does not apply to this child.

Apply for Medicaid to find out if you can get it. A state caseworker will work with you. Most states have programs to help certain people who do not get Medicaid.

You can get help from federal programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), too.